Sighing, not knowing whether or not it’s possible, I rest my head along the back of the chair and meet Jake’s stare. I feel so much love for him. As a father, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express what it truly feels like to have Jake home, knowing he won’t be shipping out again.
My only worry I do have with him is the pain I can clearly see he suffers. I wish there was something I could do to help him, but I know it’s something only time can heal.
“I know what you’re going to say.” Jake smiles.
I raise an eyebrow in question.
He continues, “I’m fine, Dad. Although I hate taking the painkillers, I’m not going to stop because I’m a stubborn ass.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” I sit forward in the chair and rest my elbows on my thighs while watching him.
He’s in pain right now, and trying to hide the fact.
“I know you’re afraid of becoming addicted to the painkillers, but I know you, and there’s no way that’s going to happen. If you do as the doctor instructed by cutting them down gradually, then you won’t have a problem.”
“I know.” Jake rubs his thigh with a wince.
“You’re in pain now.”
Jake hesitates before replying, “Yeah. With all the traveling and then heading out to the barn, I’ve overdone it. I should have just rested up for a while instead. I’ll take a hot shower, and then the painkillers before hitting the sack. They’ll knock me out.”
“I know you, Jake, and for once in your life if you need help with anything, you ask me. No matter how old you are, you’re still my son, and as long as I’m able, I’m here for you.”
He nods as he fights with some unknown emotion.
Jake has always been proud. At eighteen, he went off to Paris Island as a boy, but he came back a man—one I’m damned proud of. The only drawback is that he’s more stubborn than ever, which frustrates the hell out of me.
Changing the subject, I ask, “Have you thought about what you want to do now that you’re home?” I’m hoping his answer is to work with the horses, but I’m not sure where his head is in all this since his dream of being a Marine is at an end.
He shrugs and tries to get into a more comfortable position, rubbing his thigh again. “I was thinking about helping out at the stables with Anna for now.” He smiles, as he loves working with the animals and they love him. “I want to spend as much time as I can on finishing the inside of my house as well. It’s about time that it became a home.” He looks out through the window, unable to see anything with the night having settled in, but I have the feeling he’s a million miles away, and focused on a blonde.
Now he’s home, I’m hoping he finally goes after the girl he should have never left. Although I didn’t agree with him for what he did to Elise, when he left, I understood. I just hope he has plans to put everything right.
Hiding a yawn behind my hand, I stretch out before standing and glance at Jake who is struggling to his feet. It kills me standing on the sidelines, knowing he won’t appreciate any help offered. But maybe he’ll ask when he needs me.
Jakes starts to limp toward his room. “Night, Dad. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He doesn’t look back.
“Night, son.”
Unable to watch Jake any longer, I turn and head upstairs feeling my years as my body lets it be known how tired I am.
Chapter 3
Rona
How fabulous, waking up to the sound of birds chirping away outside on the balcony. I had such a good night’s sleep. Now well-rested, I’m looking forward to spending the day with Cade. I shouldn’t be so excited, but I am. When I’m with Cade, all my problems just disappear and he’s the only one I see. The only one I’m thinking about.
Pushing the quilt to one side, I climb out of bed, and make my way to the bathroom for a lovely hot shower that helps to wash away my lingering tiredness.
Back in my bedroom, I pull some comfortable clothes out of the closet. My black slim-fit jeans are my favorite and I match them with a purple long-sleeved tee shirt. Leaving my feet bare for now, I head out of my room and downstairs in search of coffee.
Arriving at the kitchen, I find Cade, drinking coffee over the newspaper. He lays the newspaper to one side, and looks me over, smiling. “Morning, did you have a good night’s sleep?”
My heart thuds in my chest having his undivided attention on me.
Will I always feel this way about this man? A man I’ve known for less than twenty-four hours.
“Morning, and yes I did, thank you. What about you? Did you sleep well?”
“Eventually.” He frowns. “Help yourself to coffee it’s over by the microwave. There’s a cup in the cupboard to your right.”
“Thanks.” Heading toward the coffee pot, I look out through the window and spot deer not too far from the back porch.
Hearing footsteps, I turn and watch Cade walk toward me before coming to stop at my side.
“Would you like pancakes and bacon for breakfast?”
“Oh, my favorite. Yes please. Can I help with anything?”
“No, I have it. It won’t take long. Why don’t you sit over there by the window and watch the deer?”
“Okay.”
Heading over to the window, I take a seat and glance over to Cade, deciding to watch him instead of the deer, as he prepares breakfast.
He’s so handsome.
Today he’s wearing brown jeans and a black, long-sleeved tee shirt that looks so soft and inviting. All I want to do is go over to him and wrap my arms around his waist. He looks comfortable in his kitchen, and he’s making me breakfast. How lucky am I to have a sexy guy cooking for me?
Within minutes, Cade has the pancakes made and is setting them down on the table before he passes me a plate and cutlery. Taking a couple of pancakes from the platter, I drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over them. Cutting one up, I spear a large piece onto my fork and as soon as I munch down on it, the piece melts in my mouth. They are so fluffy and soft. Mine tend to end up thick and spongy.
Between mouthfuls, Cade says, “I need to get a few phone calls out of the way and one or two emails, then I’m all yours.” He hesitates slightly when he realizes what he’s said.
Smiling, I whisper, “I wish!” The atmosphere between us simmers with the heat of our connection.
Breaking it, I look away. “I’ll go and get my iPad after breakfast and read while you see to business.”
Cade stays silent, but nods in acknowledgment.
After all the dishes are cleared away, I run upstairs to my room to collect my iPad before returning to the kitchen to grab another coffee and get comfortable on one of the overstuffed chairs in the living room.
“Will you be okay while I’m in the office?” Cade asks on his way through to the stairs.
“I’ll be fine. Do you have Wifi so I can connect my iPad?”
“Yes, give me a minute and I’ll go and hunt the password out for you.”
“Thank you.”
Cade shuffles through the papers on a small table and pulls out a card that he passes to me. I punch in the password as he heads upstairs and within seconds, I’m logging into my email account. I sigh as a well of emotion floods through me. Surprise, frustration, anger as I count the emails that Nick, my ex, has sent me. Not one, but fifteen emails since I left! I stare at them at first, not sure whether to read them or delete them. What the hell does he want?
Grinding my teeth, I ignore them and scroll through the rest of my emails before coming back to Nick’s. Anything he has to say is likely to depress me so I decide to delete his messages before curiosity gets the better of me.
Having finished with my email, I put my iPad to one side and snuggle into the chair before falling asleep.
Cade
After leaving Rona in the overstuffed chair, I head up to my office before I give in to the need I have for her. During breakfast, I kept myself occupied with eating so that I didn’t reach for her. The moment she’d appeared in the kitchen, I’d wan
ted to stand up, wrap her up in my arms and press a leisurely, good morning kiss against her lips.
I’m losing it.
Turning back to my desk and laptop, I log onto my email and try to concentrate, especially on the message from a Denver law firm about an old case of mine. The words blur on the screen and I can’t find the ability to focus on the words. Damn, having the object of my constant desire in my line of sight is too distracting and my concentration is shot to hell.
After about an hour of trying to work, I give up and switch off my laptop. Looking down into the living room, I find Rona fast asleep and I can’t help but smile as she shifts deeper into the chair. Pushing away from my desk, I slowly walk downstairs and sit in the chair opposite so I can watch her.
She really is lovely with her clear smooth skin and long lashes casting a dark shadow on her cheek. It’s killing me knowing tomorrow Jake will be alone with her when they go to Jackson Hole for the day. I feel as though she’s my woman and no one else has the right to her—ridiculous.
She opens her eyes, and they widen when she sees me watching her. But a soft smile soon appears on her face.
“Why are you frowning?” she asks in a sleepy voice.
I hadn’t realized I was.
“I don’t like the idea of you being away from me all day tomorrow with Jake.” I tell her the truth; no sense in lying to her.
“You said anything between us is wrong, and although I would much rather have you showing me around, I think I better go with Jake tomorrow.”
“I don’t know what I want anymore. Having you here is affecting me like nothing else ever has.” My frown deepens and I wonder, not for the first time, what I’m going to do.
Rona
After a sandwich and soup lunch, I’m back upstairs to grab my fur-lined, knee-high boots to head outside with Cade. He’s giving me my first horse-riding lesson, and although I’m excited at spending time with him, I’m apprehensive about getting onto a horse.
With that worry on my mind, I head back downstairs all ready to brave the outdoors and the horse Cade says he has for me.
He’s waiting at the bottom of the stairs already wrapped up for the elements outside. He looks like a cowboy—my cowboy—in his fur-lined jacket as he adjusts the Stetson on his head.
I sigh, and watch him turn to face me with a delighted grin. He lights me up inside. No one has ever looked at me the way Cade does, as though I mean the world to him.
Until I met Cade, I never believed in love at first sight, but now I’m starting to wonder if it’s possible.
Coming to a stop in front of him, he reaches up and wraps a purple scarf around my neck, letting his hands linger longer than necessary on the scarf before he pulls away.
“Are you ready for some fresh air?” he asks.
“I’m ready, although I’m a bit unsure about getting onto a horse.”
“You’ll have fun.” He opens the front door and ushers me outside. “I won’t let anything happen to you, so don’t worry.”
And I’m not going to worry.
Or maybe I will a little bit.
The stables are actually a huge complex with outbuildings as well. As we walk closer, some of the horses approach in what appears to be an outdoor training area.
Cade takes my arm and leads me toward a lovely, honey-colored horse that slowly moves toward the fence. He clicks to her and the mare tosses her head as she trots toward us. I smile at the sparkle in his eyes as he introduces her to me. “This is Honey Bee,” he laughs as we step into the corral. “Gaby named her after her favorite breakfast cereal.”
I smile at Cade as he strokes Honey Bee’s head. “That’s Anna’s daughter, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. Honey Bee is our gentlest horse and loves nothing better than to follow my lead.”
“Okay. A female then.” I grin as Cade chuckles. “It looks a long way up there,” I add in a shaky voice.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be safe on Honey Bee and I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Moving in closer to me, he puts his arm around me and rubs his hand up and down my back in a show of comfort. Just when I was about to snuggle in for a tighter embrace, he moves away slightly, and helps me mount the horse. She shifts under my weight and my heart fills my throat. I’m not sure if I’m ready for this and my knuckles are white from how hard I’m clasping the reins.
Honey Bee whickers slightly and dances to the side as Cade whispers, “Shhh, it’s okay. Just relax and she’ll get used to you.”
I’m not sure if he’s reassuring the horse or me, but his words soothe us both as I find my body shifting with Honey Bee’s when Cade starts to guide the horse around the corral. Suddenly I’m perfectly in sync with the beast as I receive a short lesson on riding and directing the horse.
“She’ll pretty much listen to me so all you’ll need to do is sit and enjoy the scenery,” he assures me as he swings up onto a beautiful black horse with white socks and a white star on his forehead. The horse tosses around in excitement and I’m grateful he isn’t my horse.
Heading out, Cade picks up a trail to the side of the house and begins a leisurely pace with the horse. Honey is as sweet as her name as she follows behind Cade’s horse at a slow pace. I find my fingers trailing through the rough texture of her mane as we ride. I ignore the jitter of nerves playing down my spine and I try to focus on the tall silhouette of the man in front of me, instead of on the ground—it’s just too high up here, something I’m not used to.
We have been riding for about thirty minutes when we come out of the forest of snow-covered trees to a river, flowing rapidly past us.
“Do you want to stop here for a short while?” Cade asks, waiting for my horse to stop beside his.
“Oh, that would be great.” My bottom aches from so much time in a saddle, something I’ve never done.
Cade climbs off his horse, takes the reins from me and leads our horses over to a tree where he tethers them.
He comes around the side of Honey Bee, his smile wistful as he looks up at me. When he slides his hands around my waist and helps me down from the horse, I shudder. Heat radiates from his touch and I look up into his eyes, which are dark with passion.
His voice deep as he asks, “Are you okay to walk?”
“Yes, I think so.” I feel his hands tighten briefly on me before letting me go and I fight the cold disappointment that rapidly replaces the heat of his hands.
He takes my hand and leads me to a fallen tree close to the river. Seated with his back against another tree, he pulls me down between his legs and wraps his arms around me. I snuggle into him with a sigh, the disappointment gone.
He always smells so good and having his arms around me has my heart pounding. I’ve become so attached to him since meeting him just over twenty-four hours ago. Being in his arms feels like home, a feeling I haven’t had since my grandmother died.
Cade
Sitting here at my favorite location on my property with Rona in my arms feels like heaven . . . and hell. My arms wrap around her and she snuggles into me deeper, her face turned sideways against my chest. As I place a kiss on top of her head I can smell the apple shampoo she obviously used this morning.
She meets my eyes as she lifts her gloved hand and caresses down one side of my face. “I could stay like this forever.”
I kiss her lips. “I don’t ever remember feeling as content as I do right now with you in my arms.”
Tightening my arms around her we continue watching the river as a comfortable silence falls between us. The only sound is the rush of the water and soft movements of the horses as they wait for us.
Two deer wander into view on the opposite bank and I nudge Rona lightly. “Look over there.” I point toward the deer.
“Wow! A mommy with her baby.”
Trying to get a rise out of her, I comment, “They usually taste pretty good.”
Rona elbows me in the stomach. “No way are you going to kill Bambi.”
“Can we do this again sometime? Just the two of us?”
“Yes, I think that can be arranged.”
We ride back to the stables in silence as I think about how I’ve really enjoyed my time with this amazing woman.
Rona
Back in my room after a beautiful afternoon with Cade, I decide it’s time to switch my phone back on. I regret doing so as I discover I have over twenty voicemails.
Lying on my bed, I start to sort through the messages and they are mostly hang-ups, or from Nick, which I delete without even listening to them. He’s really annoying me now. First the messages when I arrived here yesterday and now all these today. A pang of guilt courses through me. Maybe I should have read his emails instead of just deleting them. I could have found out his problem and it would have been sorted. I sigh and delete his messages on the phone without reading them. It’s too late now, and honestly, I don’t owe him anything.
I curse as I glance at the clock and take note of how much time I’ve wasted checking my messages. Grabbing a towel, I race for the bathroom to have a quick shower. The fastest one in history, I’m sure. With a towel wrapped around my body, I stand in front of the closet and sift through the limited amount of clothing I brought with me.
Pulling a dress out of the closet, I hang it on the door, and with a quick glance, decide it will do. It isn’t really posh or special, but it’s comfortable and I want Cade to see me in something other than jeans. The soft knit fabric is a delicate shade of lilac and it falls perfectly against my curves. I can’t wait to see Cade’s face when he sees me in it.
Once my hair is nearly dry, I wiggle into the dress and smooth it down my body, hoping Cade will like its feminine lines. I fiddle with the sweetheart neckline and capped sleeves before I turn at the mirror and admire how it hangs from the back.
From This Moment Page 4